Every Christmas, Lille buzzes as people flock to the traditional Christmas markets; all in search of bargains and unique Christmas gifts. Lights twinkle from the shop windows and marvellous illuminations glow in the streets. For those in search of French gastronomic treats, Lille’s Sunday market is the place to find fresh produce from all over the Nord-Pas de Calais region, ranging from apples and cider, to cheese, seafood and flowers. Join the locals at this weekly market, for a real flavour of French life and bring some delicacies home to really impress your dinner guests.
Markets aside, Lille is the archetypal shoppers’ paradise. There are over 6000 retail outlets in the Lille Metropolitan area alone, and Lille is also close to one of the biggest shopping malls in France; where you’ll encounter every commodity ever dreamt of. If you’re a book fiend, visit the bookshops in La Vieille Bourse, the old stock exchange building, and if art is your passion, you’ll find your inspiration in Lille. Hospice Comtesse, founded in 1237 in the heart of Lille, now houses Flemish, Dutch and 15th and 16th century (northern) French paintings, as well as jewellery, wood carvings, tapestries and a collection of rare musical instruments. The Fine Arts Museum, meanwhile, is filled with works by many masters, including Rubens, Van Dyck, Goya, Delacroix, Courbet, Rodin and Donatello.
Although the dynamic combination of 17th century architecture and ultramodern buildings is a constant source of amazement, the surrounding countryside is just as remarkable. The exquisite Côte d’Opal coastline, the Flanders hills and the Audomarois Marches might just lure you away from your shopping schedule.
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